(AUSTIN) — Today (Jan. 29) Senator Judith Zaffirini welcomed representatives from the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) to the Texas Senate.

"I am delighted to welcome the delegation from the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association to our historic Texas Capitol," Senator Zaffirini said. "What's more, I join them in inviting state legislators and all Texans to attend and enjoy Laredo's cherished annual patriotic celebration."

For 116 years WBCA has delighted Laredoans and visitors alike with a grand display of patriotism that includes parades, fireworks extravaganzas, galas and an international fair and exposition. With approximately 400,000 attendees annually, it is the largest celebration in the nation honoring our first president. This year's festivities began Jan. 24 and end Feb. 25.

The Texas Senate paid tribute to the month-long event by passing Senate Resolution 37 by Zaffirini, honoring WBCA and welcoming representatives of its member organizations to the Texas Capitol. Among the distinguished officials greeting the delegation were Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Mr. South Texas 2004; and Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp, Mr. South Texas 2013. Senator Zaffirini was Mr. South Texas in 1999. The delegation included Bob Weathers, president of WBCA; Ana "Niti" Lamar Volpe, who will portray Martha Washington; Tad Deutsch, who will portray George Washington; Emily Gonzalez, Princess Pocahontas; and Isaac Garza, Chief Soaring Eagle.

Also included were the celebration's Abrazo Children, who will exchange hugs at the middle of the international bridge at the inspiring international friendship ceremony on Feb. 23. The United States' representatives are Isabella Gibson and Edward Maddox, and Mexico's representatives are Maria Reséndez Rodríguez and Emilio Lerma Garza.

Representatives Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, and Tracy King, D-Batesillve, hosted the delegation in the House of Representatives and joined the festivities in the Senate.

"WBCA is not only a proud display of our patriotism and civic pride, but also a wonderful opportunity to honor our relationship with our sister city, Nuevo Laredo, and our sister country, Mexico," Senator Zaffirini said. "International friendship and collaboration are the hallmarks of Laredo's success."

SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, D-LAREDO, welcomes members of the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association to the Texas Senate. The delegation included Bob Weathers, president of WBCA; Ana "Niti" Lamar Volpe, who will portray Martha Washington; Tad Deutsch, who will portray George Washington; Emily Gonzalez, Princess Pocahontas; and Isaac Garza, Chief Soaring Eagle; and the Abrazo children, Isabella Gibson and Edward Maddox from the United States and Maria Reséndez Rodríguez and Emilio Lerma Garza from Mexico.

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